“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” Working in the field of addiction and eating disorders, as well as being in eating disorder recovery myself, I have […]

New evidence suggests some cases of childhood anorexia nervosa may be caused by a treatable syndrome called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). When I started researching PANDAS I came upon hundreds of stories of healing. Some were heartbreaking to read and learn what the children and families went through. But most end with […]

A major characteristic of people I treat for eating problems is that they frequently compare themselves to others. Sometimes they do this consciously but, honestly, most of the time I don’t think they have a clue that they’re doing it. There’s nothing wrong with a healthy dose of competition, but there’s everything wrong when you […]

The holidays can be a whirlwind of calories and obligations pulling at you from every corner. To counteract all that chaos do the following three things: 1) Make a list of what honestly sounds fun for YOU during the holidays. That could be anything from trimming your own tree solo with a glass of wine […]

Please tell us about yourself and what you do? I am a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher. I also sit on two nonprofit boards and help procure funding and publicity for the causes close to my heart. I love working with children and founded a mentoring program for young aspiring dancers in the community. Can […]

Inspiring quotes and images can open your mind, invigorate your heart, refresh your soul and inspire your creative path. You need all this to stay courageous and committed on your path to your eating disorder recovery. Here are some quotes to help you on your way. Use them in your journal and in your meditations. […]

A lot of us spend a lot of time consuming media from all directions. Print, online, video, audio. We are bombarded with messages about how we are supposed to look. For women, the pressure to achieve the ideal female body image is powerful. All-around we are shown images of hyper-slim, either tall or petite, large […]

If you saw the 2014 VMAs, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Beyonce closed the show and brought the house down with an incredible performance. It was everything from avant garde, to provocative, to unabashedly sexy, to touching. Besides her obvious, and stunning talent and beauty the underlying message was loud and clear, “I […]

Therapists work with many different types of people, people whose stories and struggle are each different and unique. One common thing I have noticed as a therapist is how powerful our thoughts truly are. Thoughts can either be your best friend or the toughest meanest bully you can ever encounter. The power however is in […]

I’ve wondered about this since I was in eighth grade. I stood in the lunchroom after school waiting for the bus by myself. None of my few friends were on a late bus so I was alone. Carla* sauntered up with Kerri*, who had the same birthday as me. I was wearing my brand new […]